1989 Firebird Formula 5.0 Liter 5 Speed Dual Factory Cats 3.45 posi rear
1989 Pontiac Firebird FORMULA
1989 Firebird Formula - Rare 305 TPI 5 speed loaded with Factory Performance Options
- Factory Performance RPO Codes: N10/GM3/G80/J65/MM5/N64
- T5 World Class 5 Speed Manual Transmission
- 9 bolt Ausie 3.45 performance axle posi rear end
- N10 Factory Dual Cat Exhaust Option
- J65 4 Wheel Disc Brakes
- LB9 5.0 Liter TPI Engine
100.6k original miles. Nice Restoration.
This was Pontiac's version of the desired G92 Package offered on the Camaro in 1989. The factory horsepower rating with the factory free flowing N10 exhaust and hotter camshaft was rated 230 HP / 300 lb ft and gave it a redline 5500 RPM's compared to 5000 on the standard cam models.
Some claim 50 of these cars were made in '89. Most agree there were only a few hundred produced. Aside from the Turbo Trans Am, the 5 speed TPI Formula was the fastest of the Firebirds in 89. Car and Driver in March '90 called this power plant combination on a Formula a "sleeperâ€. The Formula had no nonsense looks and was leaner than the heavier Trans Am.
The car received a recent body restoration, including new Dupont Chromabase paint in the original GM light metallic blue color. The paint has a deep gloss shine. The body and lines of the car are straight, there are no dents or dings. I included a photo of the hood under high fluorescent light for reference. New tires were put on last year. Original glass all around, no cracks. New Formula decals. New Hawks Fiberglass aerowing - lighter and superior quality over the factory original.
Interior:
The interior is in very good original condition. No cracks in the dash, all lights and gauges work as they should. Seats are good original condition, not perfect, but still very presentable. The headliner is in very good condition. Door panels are in excellent condition, upper panels were replaced so no usual cracks in the plastic. Aftermarket radio works good. Power windows work. Visors are original and could use a recover. Power locks only operate manually, will require a new relay switch. They are around 60 bucks.
Mechanicals:
The 5.0 TPI engine was rebuilt approximately 10k miles ago by the previous owner; it is strong. Starts right up and idles as it should. The engine is super responsive, pulls hard, and sounds awesome - guaranteed to put a smile on your face. The brief video below shows the car in action a couple weeks ago:
https://youtu.be/Y1ZdUFSVGvA
Detailed engine compartment in stock form with the exception of the air intake.
The factory World Class (WC) T5 transmission is mated to a Hurst Shifter and delivers silky smooth gear changes. The clutch grabs right where it should. The rare 4 wheel factory disc brake package brings the car to a stop quickly. (Most Formulas came with drum brakes in the rear) Lots of new parts - master cylinder, rear brake rotors and pads, Walbro HP fuel pump, fuel pressure regulator, outer and inner tires rods, UMI Front steering brace, hood and hatch shocks, headlight motors. fuel injectors. A/C is fully functional. The aftermarket radio and speakers function well.
Chassis:
Undercarriage is in very good overall condition.
Summary:
I have owned some 3rd gen Firebirds including 350 models throughout the years; this Formula is definitely quicker and lot of fun to drive. The unique drivetrain elevates the driving experience.
A lot of time and effort went into making this into a nice cruiser. All of the hard work is done, its now ready to be enjoyed. 5 speed TPI Firebirds with the factory dual cat options are not easy to find. There are a few nice Formulas out there but most are automatics with highway gears, no posi rear, 170 HP TBI 5.0's. This one came factory direct with all the performance options checked off, and is now topped off with a strong engine rebuild and body restoration.
I am currently finishing restoration of my Alfa GTV6 and would like to free up some space and funds for its completion. Any questions regarding the car, please feel free to ask. The car is also being offered locally and is sold as is. Title and vehicle will be released to buyer once payment is received in full and has cleared. Buyer is responsible for pick-up. I can help the buyer with shipping arrangements if needed. Thank you.
- Make: Pontiac
- Model: Firebird
- Type: Coupe
- Trim: FORMULA
- Year: 1989
- Mileage: 100600
- VIN: 1G2FS21F9KL251589
- Color: Blue
- Engine size: 5.0 TPI
- Number of cylinders: 8
- Power options: Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Windows
- Fuel: Gasoline
- Transmission: Manual
- Drive type: RWD
- Interior color: Gray
- Drive side: Left-hand drive
- Vehicle Title: Clear Want to buy? Contact seller!
